Adam Smith and the Invisible Hand of God

This book explores Adam Smith's moral philosophy, jurisprudence, and economics through a theological lens, highlighting his progressive form of Christian theism and the relevance of the religious dimension in his thought. It interrogates the metaphor of the 'invisible hand' and encourages further inquiry between economic and religious perspectives.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 270 pages
Publication date: 25 September 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This book makes a significant contribution to the emerging "new view" of Adam Smith, offering a historically and contextually rich interpretation of Smith's thought. Smith constructed a moral philosophy upon the foundations of a natural theology of human sociality. An analysis of his life, his relationship with David Hume, and his use of divine names reveals that he held a progressive form of Christian theism. The book critically examines the metaphor of the "invisible hand" and emphasizes the significance of the religious dimension of Adam Smith's thought in his moral philosophy, jurisprudence, and economics. It reflects on the contemporary relevance of a theological reading of Smith and lays the groundwork for further exploration between economic and religious perspectives.

Introduction:
The "new view" of Adam Smith has gained increasing attention in recent years, challenging traditional interpretations of the Scottish economist as a purely secular and rationalist thinker. This book aims to contribute to this emerging perspective by exploring the religious dimensions of Smith's thought.

Smith's Moral Philosophy:
Smith built his moral philosophy on the foundations of a natural theology of human sociality. He believed that human beings are created in the image of God and are endowed with a moral sense that guides their actions. Smith's moral philosophy was influenced by his Christian beliefs, particularly his belief in the inherent goodness of human nature and the importance of personal responsibility.

Relationship with David Hume:
Smith's relationship with David Hume, a prominent skeptic and atheist, is a subject of much interest. Despite their differences, Smith and Hume maintained a respectful and productive intellectual exchange. Hume's influence on Smith's thought can be seen in his emphasis on the role of reason and empirical evidence in shaping moral judgment.

Divine Names:
An examination of Smith's life, relationship with Hume, and use of divine names reveals that he retained a progressive form of Christian theism. Smith often referred to God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit in his writings, and his moral philosophy was deeply rooted in Christian values.

The Metaphor of the "Invisible Hand":
The metaphor of the "invisible hand" is one of the most famous and influential concepts in Smith's economic theory. It refers to the unintended consequences of individual actions that lead to the overall benefit of society. While Smith recognized the importance of the "invisible hand," he also emphasized the need for government intervention to ensure that markets function effectively and that social welfare is protected.

The Religious Dimension of Smith's Thought:
The religious dimension of Smith's thought is significant not only for his moral philosophy but also for his jurisprudence and economics. Smith believed that religion played a crucial role in shaping human behavior and that moral values could be derived from religious teachings. His jurisprudence was influenced by his Christian beliefs, particularly his belief in the importance of natural law and the rule of law.

Contemporary Relevance:
The contemporary relevance of a theological reading of Smith is evident in the growing interest in interfaith dialogue and the intersection of economics and religion. This book seeks to contribute to this conversation by exploring the religious dimensions of Smith's thought and their implications for contemporary society.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, this book makes a significant contribution to the emerging "new view" of Adam Smith by exploring the religious dimensions of his thought. It demonstrates that Smith's moral philosophy, jurisprudence, and economics were deeply influenced by his Christian beliefs, and that his thought remains relevant to contemporary discussions about economic and social issues. By highlighting the religious dimension of Smith's thought, this book provides a valuable resource for scholars and policymakers interested in understanding the intersection of economics and religion.

Weight: 520g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032148380